Strengths:
Has outstanding size and a huge frame...A terrific athlete with good quickness...Is very strong...Physical and aggressive...Gets a nice push in the run game...Light on his feet...Mobile and will get to the second level...Versatile...Still has major upside.

Weaknesses:
Doesn't have a ton of experience...Very raw and has a ways to go when it comes to technique...Has to play with better leverage...Shaky footwork & hand use...Not yet a finished product and he'll need to be developed...Has a questionable motor.

Notes:
Married with a three-year-old daughter...Began his college career as a defensive tackle at New Mexico State before transferring to Hartnell Junior College...Landed at Nebraska in 2006...Played right tackle as a junior and left tackle as a senior but was only a starter for about one season...Mammoth blocker with a lot of potential who still gets by mostly on sheer talent...Has the physical tools to be a great pro.

intriguing prospect, not sure if I'd prefer him to Cherilus. I definitely think we have the coaches to mold him into a killer but why wait that long?

Without the infusion of underclassmen like Arkansas' Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, the 2008 RB draft class would be mediocre. So how do McFadden, Jones and the nation's other top running backs rank among the 32 that have been invited to showcase their skills at the NFL Combine?

1. *Darren McFadden, Arkansas, 6-2, 210

McFadden is the top prospect in the entire 2008 draft class, and with his ability to provide instant offense, he will be highly sought after by many teams. It’s been rumored that the Dallas Cowboys are interested in packaging their two first round picks in an attempt to acquire McFadden. These rumors have circulated due to the alumni ties Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has with the University of Arkansas. Scouts and team personnel from around the league will want to see McFadden participate in as many drills as possible, but at this time it’s unknown what drills he intends on performing.

2. *Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois, 5-11, 215

After just one season as the starting running back at Illinois, Mendenhall decided to forego his final season and enter the draft. Mendenhall is a strong runner who displays elusiveness and playmaking ability. There are mixed reviews on his speed, and scouts will pay close attention to his performance in the 40-yard dash.

3. *Jonathan Stewart, Oregon, 5-11, 230

Stewart is a punishing runner who can bull-rush a defender or juke them out of their shoes. He’s a complete back who has good hands and has experience as a return man. At the Combine, Stewart will be judged on his lateral movement and his straight-line speed.

4. *Felix Jones, Arkansas, 6-0, 207

The compliment to McFadden, Jones may benefit from not being a featured back at any point during his time at Arkansas. Despite sharing the load with McFadden over the last three years, Jones has only averaged 129 carries, but has an amazing 7.5 YPC during that span. Jones is just as fast as McFadden and also offers a team a potential return man.

5. *Jamaal Charles, Texas, 6-1, 205

Charles is an outstanding athlete who has tremendous ability and was brilliant down the stretch for Texas this past season. He has a lot of skills, but he has some issues protecting the ball. He will perform very well in the forty since he’s a former track star. But scouts want to see him show consistent hands and vision during drills.

6. Chris Johnson, East Carolina, 5-10, 201

There isn’t a faster RB in the country, and Johnson may be the best all-around runner in the draft. Johnson has all the tools to be an elite RB at the next level, and he showed that potential during Senior Bowl practice. He only participated in two practices in Mobile before leaving with an injured left shoulder. His performance in Indianapolis, with all the underclassmen talent at the RB position, will either rise or drop his name on draft boards. It’s as simple as that.

7. Matt Forte, Tulane, 6-1, 223

The running back who made the most money in Mobile was Tulane’s Matt Forte. During practice sessions and in the game, he showed that he’s a multidimensional running back with good speed, great hands and tremendous vision. With a similar workout in Indianapolis, Forte will solidify his status as a second-round selection.

8. *Steve Slaton, West Virginia, 5-10, 200

After a bit of a down year at West Virginia last season, Slaton decided to forego his senior season. He had a great sophomore season, but didn’t have the same explosion this past year. He will have to show good speed and quickness during drills and show scouts that he’s strong enough to be a featured back.

9. *Kevin Smith, Central Florida, 6-0, 215

The nation’s leading rusher, Smith has fluid hips and a knack for gaining tough yards. He doesn’t possess top straight-line speed, and that will hurt his draft stock this April. He’s shifty in the open field, but he will have to run a solid forty to gain momentum in the draft.

10. *Ray Rice, Rutgers, 5-9, 195

Rice is a very good north/south runner who has excellent vision and can handle a workload. The biggest question about Rice’s game is his speed. He’s not the fastest runner and doesn’t possess breakaway speed. The forty will be the biggest obstacle for Rice to overcome at the Combine.

11. Mike Hart, Michigan, 5-9, 200

Just like Rice, Hart is not a fast runner, but he’s displayed the ability to carry the ball early and often. Hart has a lot of tread on his body after totaling 1,015 carries during his four-year career at Michigan. That wear and tear will play a factor in his professional career and will have teams wary of his future. Hart is an intelligent player who has a passion for the game and who will impress teams during interviews at the Combine.

12. Tashard Choice, Georgia Tech, 5-11, 209

Choice is a quick-footed runner who possesses excellent vision. He performed well in Mobile during practices and showed good explosion through the line. He lacks the second gear and isn’t a game-breaker. Choice will give maximum effort at the Combine, but he has to run well to elevate his draft stock.

13. Anthony Alridge, Houston, 5-9, 172

Alridge is a scat back who has tremendous speed and will probably be drafted as a wide receiver. He’s a bit small to play RB at the next level, but he has a lot of value as a return man. The problem with Alridge playing receiver is that he tends to drop easy balls and isn’t consistent in the passing game. He will sparkle in running drills, but it’s in positional drills where he’s going to have to show his ability.

14. Justin Forsett, California, 5-8, 184

A true little big-man, Forsett is a tough runner who has excellent pass catching ability. He displayed great quickness and vision at the Senior Bowl and ran with balance. At his size he should run faster. But his quick feet and positive attitude will win over scouts in Indianapolis.

15. Cory Boyd, South Carolina, 6-0, 220

Boyd is a big runner who runs tough between the tackles and shows good quickness on the edge. He performed well during East-West Shrine practices, but wasn’t consistent catching the ball. He’s not a shifty runner, but breaks tackles and is tough to bring down. Boyd has some character concerns and will have to address those issues during interviews at the Combine.

He shows great speed and some decent power. He will also jump over a defender. I like his burst and cut back ability. Lower level of competition will hurt him draft day.

Great power and speed combanation legs never stop nice spin moves very good vision.

This kid is all about speed , he maybe more of a situation player or perhaps a wr.

This kid is being over looked in this draft. He reminds me of a younger LT. He has the ability to make defenders miss in the hole in fact he has the rare ability to set up a DL and a LB in the 1st 3 yds of the los between the tackles. Great hands as well , he could be the steal of the draft.

The clip has a few stills but get past that and you will see a RB with great balance , size and the ability to make defenders miss. Boyd lacks the big speed and as a result he will be a late round selection. He will put on a show however.

He reminds me of Mike Turner a lot , he has very good size and great speed. Watch him stand up the DL at the los and thin spin out of the tackle. He breaks a lot of arm tackles at the los and then has the speed to out run the DB. Human pin ball.

He runs a bit upright and he lacks big speed ,you will see him caught from behind often. He sets up would be tacklers with very nice quick cut backs allowing him extra yards.

He has a great stutter step and burst. He clearly runs well on the edges it is between the tackles however that you have to make a living in the N.F.L. He was not as explosive this past season and as a result his stock has fallen.

A lot of fans follow the theory of selecting players based on position of need. I do think to a degree all N.F.L. teams draft players based on need however the teams that year after year draft B.A. @ a position of need seem to field much better rosters.

Most long term observer's agree that the long term view is the better view in team building. I think this draft will put a lot of Charger fans to the test on this subject. A lot of post on this board point the Charger team needs towards NT or RT and while the past seasons struggles along the defensive front are clearly linked to Jamal Williams and Louis Castillo's and their injuries the question is is their a player who may be on the draft board worthy of the selection or would this be a prime example of a reach?

On the offensive front LT just won his second rushing title however there are concerns at ROT as well as the fact the squad lacks depth at LOT. We also know that Mike Goff isn't getting any younger.

Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt , Jeff Otah OT Pittsburgh , Gosder Cherilus OT the leading candidates at OT however with the possible exception of Williams they are all viewed as ROT which of course is a concern but in a pinch could they play LOT and if so as good or better than Clary?

Otah is thought to be a real good run blocker however their is concern about his pass blocking speed / skills. Cherilus has a lot of pass blocking experience as a senior at B.C. but most think that he would be a much better ROT based on his career. He looks stronger in his drive blocking skills than Williams who looks like he has the best feet and upside however his run blocking skills are not at this time equal to either Otah or Cherilus.

All three look like they will be able to be very steady players and would add depth as well as challenge for a starting position.

The DB group is a pretty good one however it is at least at this time pretty clouded. Kenny Phillips is on most boards the top rated safety even though he had a pretty lack luster season at Miami.

Strengths: Reads routes well, shows excellent range in zone coverage and is experienced playing a center fielder-type role. Changes directions well, explodes out of cuts and is capable of matching up with slot receivers as well s tight ends in man coverage. Times jumps well, fights for the ball while it?s in the air and can come down with jump balls. Aggressive, reads opposing quarterbacks? eyes and flashes the ability to make plays on coverage. Fills hard when reads run, closes well and flashes the ability to deliver the big hit. While doesn't?t always do a great job of breaking down, generally wraps up upon contact and is an adequate open field tackler. Vocal, gets teammates into position and is a leader on the field.

Weaknesses: Has the second gear to recover in most situations but can be overaggressive, is vulnerable to play action and gets caught out of position too much. Lacks elite ball skills and a player with his talent should be more of a play-maker. Doesn't?t read keys all that well and takes too many false steps. Lacks elite size and can get engulfed by linemen. Takes too long to shed blocks, occasionally avoids contact and is going to be more effective playing off the line than he?ll be lining up in the box. Takes poor angles to the ball, can overrun plays and should make more plays in pursuit. Tough and can play through pain but missed the final three games of the 2006 season with a broken thumb and durability is somewhat of a concern.

Overall: Phillips is slightly undersized and he needs to get stouter against the run but he?s willing in run support and he?s tall enough to add weight without sacrificing speed. More importantly, he covers a lot of ground in zone coverage and can match up in man coverage making him the most complete safety in this year?s class and more than likely a first-round pick.

* Player biographies are provided by Scouts Inc.

2005 –

· All-Freshman teams by The Sporting News, Rivals.com and CollegeFootballNews.com

Strengths: Does an adequate job of opening up hips, shows a second gear when tracking the ball downfield and has the long arms to occasionally tip away passes from a trail position. Is smooth when forced to change directions quickly, shows adequate burst coming out of cuts and flashes ability to hold own on an island. Times jumps fairly well and is tall enough to compete for jump balls. Active and can effectively bluff blitz. Has some experience lining up at safety, can line up over the slot or on the outside and is versatile. Has experience blocking for punt returns and can contribute on special teams.

Weaknesses: Bounces around too much and footwork is inconsistent. Hasn't shown great upper body strength, doesn't use hands that well and gives away the inside too much. Though reads quarterback's eyes and consistently gets into position to make plays on the ball, lacks ideal ball skills and isn't a playmaker. Fills hard when reads run but doesn't shed blocks well and takes poor angles to the ball at times so doesn't offer much in run support. Charged with misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct and opposing or obstructing an officer without violence during the 2007 off-season and South Florida suspended him indefinitely so character is a concern.

Overall: Jenkins has suited up for 38 games starting in 28 of them during his first three seasons (2004-'06) and recording 92 total tackles, two tackles for loss, three interceptions, and 29 passes defended. He was limited in 2004 by an ankle injury. Also saw time at safety that season. Jenkins is fast, athletic and big enough to emerge into a quality starter but his footwork and ability to defend the run need work. His off-the-field incident this off-season is also reason for concern.

* Player biographies are provided by Scouts Inc.

I don't know about the off field issue other than Smith isn't a GM who will draft a player with what he perceives to be any character flaws.

Aqib Talib I think is a very interesting player. Some folks love him and have him as a elite DB going in the top 15 while others don't in fact a few have him going in the second round. I like him a lot , he has good speed not great , a nose for the ball and he is a playmaker. Love his size and he could be a elite FS type who would fit well at nickle CB as well.

Strengths: Possesses outstanding combination of height, bulks and natural athleticism. Has long arms and very good leaping ability. He displays fine all-around ball skills (at CB, WR and RS). Is naturally instinctive. Spends most of his time in man-coverage ? both in tight press and off with a 7-to-10 yard cushion. Is not afraid of a physical challenge and possesses the size to match-up one-on-one versus bigger receivers on an island. Does an excellent job of disengaging from blocks. Productive versus the run and is a decent tackler. Versatile athlete with the potential to play multiple roles for the NFL team that drafts him. While it?s rare to see a two-way player at the next level, he has flashed the big-play ability to potentially contribute as a return specialist and occasionally on offense. Very durable athlete.

Weaknesses: Gambles too much in coverage. Generally plays fast but does not possess elite recovery speed. Thinks he can recover better than he actually does, which leads to too many big plays allowed (See: vs. Nebraska WR Maurice Purify in 2007). Footwork needs lots of polishing. For example; Kansas CB?s use an open-hip stance with inside foot dropped when working in off-coverage. He comes out of that stance high and struggles to break on the ball in front of him quickly enough. Makes a lot of plays in run-support but doesn?t love to mix it up. Lacks power as a hitter and more of a drag-down tackler type.

Overall: Talib is undisciplined in coverage at times and his footwork needs some polishing. As a result, he?s not as consistent as teams? would like from a first-round cornerback. However, his combination of size, athletic ability, instincts and ball skills is outstanding. In addition to his prowess as a cover corner, he has shown the ability to contribute in the return game and as a wide receiver on offense. Talib should be one of the first-five corner backs selected in the 2008 class. His pre-draft workouts will play a big role in deciding what part of the first round he is selected.

Leodis McKelvin is a another DB who has come on well of late in fact some draft boards now have him in the top 20 where before he was a 2nd round pick. He played well at the Senior Bowl which clearly helped him in the eyes of many. He is a smaller cover guy and a lot of concerns vs the run but with the quick under routes demanding man press coverage he just might be a great fit for the team that wants to stop the Pats offense in the playoffs. His playing at Troy St should hold him back a little on draft day as well

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has to be the hottest player after the SENIOR BOWL his draft stock has soared. Of course all the Bolt fans love his cousin and the expectation that he may be another diamond in the rough has everyone excited.

Strengths: Shows adequate top-end speed and can use long arms to knock passes away when caught in a trail position. Gets adequate knee bend in backpedal and shows adequate closing speed coming forward. Reads quarterback's eyes, aggressive and jumps routes. Is tall and can compete for jump balls. Has good ball skills, is a playmaker in coverage and flashes the ability to pick up big chunks of yards after turnovers. Plays with a good motor and makes plays in pursuit. Wraps up upon contact and is a reliable open field tackler. Blocked a kick last year and can contribute on special teams.

Weaknesses: Played at a small school and there is some concern about ability to make the jump to the NFL. Doesn't have great bulk for frame and bigger receivers will have some success shielding him from the ball. Takes too long to open hips when forced to turn and run and lacks the second gear to recover once caught out of position. Hasn't great upper body strength, doesn't always use hands well and can take too long to shed blocks.

Overall: Rogers-Cromartie has played in 33 games over the last three seasons (2004-'06) recording 121 total tackles, six tackles for loss, nine interceptions, and 14 pass breakups. Rodgers-Cromartie is a playmaker who possesses a good blend of height and burst. However, he is a small-school prospect and he doesn't have elite size or speed raising concerns about his ability to compete at the NFL level.

Brandon Flowers , Reggie Smith , Antoine Cason , Patrick Lee, and Tracy Porter are also players who have seen a lot of ink as both late 1# or early 2# round selections. Porter looked real good at the senior Bowl as well and like
McKelvin he appears to have very good short area burst which is what you need when covering Welker.

Now do you draft the need or do you take the B.A. such as a Rashard Mendenhall or Jamaal Charles ? Or trade down ?

The Chargers will have all the key players back except Florence who saw a great deal of PT in the playoffs. They most likely will say good bye to Mcree who will be replaced by Weddle in the starting rotation unless the Bolts play Weddle at both safety and nickle corner in which case the team would look at a larger contribution from either Steve Gregory and or Paul Oliver.

A few folks want and think that the OL could /should get some help come draft day. Here is the latest on the OL front.

Draft prospects like OT Jake Long make scouting look easy. Long was the top offensive lineman on our initial top 32 list back in August, is the top offensive lineman on our board today and will be the top offensive lineman selected in April's draft. Thankfully for my job security, very few college players are as consistently dominant.

Long is not as athletic as last year's top tackle prospect, Joe Thomas, who excelled at left tackle for the Cleveland Browns as a rookie in 2007. However, Long has more than enough range to play left tackle in the NFL, and he is bigger, stronger and more physical than Thomas was coming out of Wisconsin. Long grades out slightly lower than Thomas, who went at No. 5 overall last year, but Long could come off the board earlier in what projects to be a weaker overall class.

As it stands right now, Chris Williams, Jeff Otah, Gosder Cherilus and Sam Baker are the four other tackles jockeying for consideration in the bottom half of the first round. Baker began the season not too far behind Long, but an injury-riddled senior campaign and a lackluster showing at the Senior Bowl have considerably damaged his stock.

The annual draft trend is for one guard to sneak into the first round. Logan Mankins (Patriots, 2005), Davin Joseph (Buccaneers, 2006) and Ben Grubbs (Ravens, 2007) were the past three guards to hear their names called in the opening round, and Branden Albert is the top candidate in the 2008 class. Albert and Chilo Rachal are the lone underclass additions at guard. It's no coincidence Albert and Rachal are expected to be the first two guards selected in the upcoming draft.

Of the 48 offensive linemen invited to this year's combine, 34 spent the majority of their collegiate careers at the tackle position. While that percentage seems unusually large, I project at least 11 of those college tackles will move inside to guard in the NFL. That group includes Heath Benedict, Mike McGlynn, Eric Young and Drew Radovich, who started on the same line as Rachal at USC last season.

Benedict, who starred at offensive tackle for the Newberry Indians, is one of the top small-school prospects in the 2008 draft class. The Division II product should come off the board early on Day 2 but likely will make the move inside to guard, where he can be better protected in the NFL. Other small-school prospects to look out for in the later rounds include OG Chad Rinehart (Northern Iowa), OT Demetrius Bell (Northwestern State), OG Kerry Brown (Appalachian State), OT David Hale (Weber State) and OG Mackenzy Bernadeau (Bentley).

Finally, Mike Pollak, Steven Justice and John Sullivan are the best available players in a relatively weak class of centers. Pollak and Justice are best suited to play in zone-blocking schemes in which they can use outstanding mobility and technique to overcome subpar size and strength. On the flipside, Sullivan is battle-tested with enough size, initial quickness and power to emerge as a starter at the next level. However, he lacks ideal athleticism for the center position, which is why the Notre Dame standout likely will slip to the middle rounds.

I also know some pretty smart fans who love our RT and who think all we need to do is allow Mr Clary some PT and see if in fact he becomes the next Kris Dielman.

I have to agree that the ROT isn't the huge hole that some seem to think and Clary could become a much better player with more PT. I also agree that at this point he is better than most OL on this list but you can't rule out OT due to the fact that we are pretty thin with the expected retirement of Oben.

I also think that the top ROT have more upside than Clary. Gosder Cherilus Boston College , Christopher Williams Vandy come to mind. Some folks also like
Carl Nicks Nebraska I must admit I have not seen him play so I won't speculate.

I am always a fan of the big uglies and they never get as much credit as they deserve imop.

Albert is a likely candidate to be available, but if he is gone.... I still like Carl Nicks as a future Pro Bowl type RT......the tools are there, he just needs a year of experience being "groomed" behind Clary......and he would be ready to extend LT's HOF career. I don't mind Clary having another year at starting, he did fine in his first half year starting. I am sure he will work hard this offseason to keep his job. I just hope Olivea has a successful transition inside.

Either Oline or DB's will make me happy......there are several good ones that will be available late in the first. I would cream my pants if they got Cro squared!!!!:icon_party:

Albert is a likely candidate to be available, but if he is gone.... I still like Carl Nicks as a future Pro Bowl type RT......the tools are there, he just needs a year of experience being "groomed" behind Clary......and he would be ready to extend LT's HOF career. I don't mind Clary having another year at starting, he did fine in his first half year starting. I am sure he will work hard this offseason to keep his job. I just hope Olivea has a successful transition inside.

Either Oline or DB's will make me happy......there are several good ones that will be available late in the first. I would cream my pants if they got Cro squared!!!!:icon_party:

Click to expand...

I have not seen Albert play nor have i seen Rodgers Cro play till the senior bowl and i really think he is getting overhyped in the forums.
He isnt the best CB in this draft by a good margin but some seem to think he IS the best CB in this draft....either that or they think because he is related to AC that he has the same skills.

Derrick Strait had a good senior bowl game too and he went in the 3rd round....much to my surprise.

Not saying he isnt good......i just havent seen anything of him till recently and some are still saying he is a 2nd round pick.

We'll see.

Combines are coming. I wouldnt mind a DB if it is neccessary , im just not sold on Clary as the answer at RT and we can get a good one there.

I have not seen Albert play nor have i seen Rodgers Cro play till the senior bowl and i really think he is getting overhyped in the forums.
He isnt the best CB in this draft by a good margin but some seem to think he IS the best CB in this draft....either that or they think because he is related to AC that he has the same skills.

Derrick Strait had a good senior bowl game too and he went in the 3rd round....much to my surprise.

Not saying he isnt good......i just havent seen anything of him till recently and some are still saying he is a 2nd round pick.

We'll see.

Combines are coming. I wouldnt mind a DB if it is neccessary , im just not sold on Clary as the answer at RT and we can get a good one there.

Click to expand...

UVA is just 30 miles from me. I've seen Albert play. He could project well to right guard or tackle. He's solid - nothing spectacular, but a good motor, good technique, & frame to put on some more weight. If he has a good combine I think his stock could rise considerably.

On another note - I'd like to see us take a good look at Kendall Langford, DL out of Hampton. He'll probably go in later rounds & could be a steal for us.

By Todd McShay
Scouts, Inc.
(Archive)
Updated: February 12, 2008
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Running back is typically among the positions most impacted by underclassmen and this year's crop is no different. Darren McFadden, the top-rated prospect on our draft board, is one of eight early entries to bolster a weak group. In fact, don't be surprised if the first five running backs selected in April's draft are juniors. McFadden is a likely top-five pick, followed by Rashard Mendenhall, Jonathan Stewart, Felix Jones (McFadden's backfield-mate at Arkansas) and Jamaal Charles.

Mendenhall and Stewart are very similar prospects. Each is powerfully built with outstanding burst for his size and underrated versatility. Mendenhall is a bit bigger and stronger as an inside runner, but Stewart is a bit more explosive in the open field as a runner, receiver and kickoff return specialist.

Jones and Charles need to add bulk and strength in order to carry the load at the next level, but you can't coach the type of world-class speed each brings to the table.

Ray Rice, Kevin Smith and Steve Slaton are the other three underclassmen crashing the party. They will compete with a few of the top seniors -- Chris Johnson, Mike Hart and Matt Forte -- for spots in the second-to-third round range.

Johnson and Slaton are the flashiest of that group and while they both bring tremendous speed and versatility to the table, neither is big enough or physical enough to carry the load in the NFL. Teams willing to sacrifice speed for bigger backs capable of grinding out yards between the tackles will lean towards Forte and Smith, both of whom dominated the lower FBS level of competition. And then there's Rice and Hart, a pair of instinctive, tough runners with exceptional production at the highest collegiate level. The problem is neither possesses the size or top-end speed NFL scouts desire.

While the senior class is void of elite talent, it does provide quantity for teams searching for depth in the later rounds. Tashard Choice, Chauncey Washington, Cory Boyd, Allen Patrick and Benjarvus Green-Ellis are all powerful north-south runners, while diminutive options such as Justin Forsett, Thomas Brown, Rafael Little, Anthony Alridge and Dantrell Savage provide more versatility.

Finally, Chad Simpson, Timothy Hightower, Xavier Omon, Lex Hilliard and Omar Cuff are five small-school backs with the tools to develop into NFL contributors down the road.

Draft prospects like OT Jake Long make scouting look easy. Long was the top offensive lineman on our initial top 32 list back in August, is the top offensive lineman on our board today and will be the top offensive lineman selected in April's draft. Thankfully for my job security, very few college players are as consistently dominant.

Long is not as athletic as last year's top tackle prospect, Joe Thomas, who excelled at left tackle for the Cleveland Browns as a rookie in 2007. However, Long has more than enough range to play left tackle in the NFL, and he is bigger, stronger and more physical than Thomas was coming out of Wisconsin. Long grades out slightly lower than Thomas, who went at No. 5 overall last year, but Long could come off the board earlier in what projects to be a weaker overall class.

As it stands right now, Chris Williams, Jeff Otah, Gosder Cherilus and Sam Baker are the four other tackles jockeying for consideration in the bottom half of the first round. Baker began the season not too far behind Long, but an injury-riddled senior campaign and a lackluster showing at the Senior Bowl have considerably damaged his stock.

The annual draft trend is for one guard to sneak into the first round. Logan Mankins (Patriots, 2005), Davin Joseph (Buccaneers, 2006) and Ben Grubbs (Ravens, 2007) were the past three guards to hear their names called in the opening round, and Branden Albert is the top candidate in the 2008 class. Albert and Chilo Rachal are the lone underclass additions at guard. It's no coincidence Albert and Rachal are expected to be the first two guards selected in the upcoming draft.

Of the 48 offensive linemen invited to this year's combine, 34 spent the majority of their collegiate careers at the tackle position. While that percentage seems unusually large, I project at least 11 of those college tackles will move inside to guard in the NFL. That group includes Heath Benedict, Mike McGlynn, Eric Young and Drew Radovich, who started on the same line as Rachal at USC last season.

Benedict, who starred at offensive tackle for the Newberry Indians, is one of the top small-school prospects in the 2008 draft class. The Division II product should come off the board early on Day 2 but likely will make the move inside to guard, where he can be better protected in the NFL. Other small-school prospects to look out for in the later rounds include OG Chad Rinehart (Northern Iowa), OT Demetrius Bell (Northwestern State), OG Kerry Brown (Appalachian State), OT David Hale (Weber State) and OG Mackenzy Bernadeau (Bentley).

Finally, Mike Pollak, Steven Justice and John Sullivan are the best available players in a relatively weak class of centers. Pollak and Justice are best suited to play in zone-blocking schemes in which they can use outstanding mobility and technique to overcome subpar size and strength. On the flipside, Sullivan is battle-tested with enough size, initial quickness and power to emerge as a starter at the next level. However, he lacks ideal athleticism for the center position, which is why the Notre Dame standout likely will slip to the middle rounds.

DeShaun Foster | Panthers
The Panthers are shopping Foster for a trade, several sources told ESPN.com on Feb. 14.
There had been speculation that Foster, 28, could be a salary cap casualty, but it appears the Panthers believe they can get something in return for their leading rusher from last season. Foster is heading into the last season of a three-year, $14.5 million contract extension he signed in 2006 and he's scheduled to have a whopping $5.8 million salary cap figure in 2008.
Crumpler Carolina bound?
Alge Crumpler | Falcons | Interested: Panthers?
Before the 2001 draft, Crumpler had visions of playing for the Panthers. That didn't happen as Crumpler became a second-round pick by the Falcons. But, maybe, the scenario that Crumpler was hoping for then, could happen now, writes Pat Yasinskas.
Crumpler was released as part of a seven-player purge by the Falcons on Feb. 15 and that makes him a free agent at a time when the Panthers could be looking for a pass-catching tight end. Carolina offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson made a lot of noise about getting the tight ends more involved in the passing game when he was hired before last season.

Carolina coach John Fox has a pretty good idea of what Crumpler, a five-time Pro Bowler, can do after trying to defend him twice a season since 2002. That's why a look at Crumpler by Carolina makes some sense.
Wednesday, February 13
Comeback for Keyshawn?
Keyshawn Johnson | Panthers | Interested: Dolphins?
Johnson is contemplating a return to football, and the wide receiver has mentioned the Dolphins as a possibility, according to the Miami Herald.
WFOR-4 reported Johnson's former coach, Dolphins executive Bill Parcells, would be open to the idea of Johnson making a comeback in Miami. Johnson's agent, Jerome Stanley, said his client wants to decide by mid-March. The 35-year-old Johnson, who spent the 2007 season as an ESPN analyst, had 70 catches for 815 yards for Carolina in 2006.
Booker back to the Bears?
Marty Booker | Dolphins | Interested: Bears?
Booker, released by the Dolphins on Feb. 20, would be interested in rejoining the Bears if the team decides it has a place for him, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
"If what they're talking about and what I'm talking about is on the same page, I'm all for it," said Booker, who was traded to Miami from Chicago before the 2004 season. "I get a chance to sit down and see what other teams are saying, too. If the offer presents itself and is right, I'll be back there."

Booker, 32, led the Dolphins with 50 receptions for 556 yards last season.
Lions considering Wilson?
Al Wilson | Broncos | Interested: Lions?
Wilson, who missed the entire 2007 with a neck injury, was scheduled to visit the Lions today, according to the Denver Post. The Broncos released the veteran linebacker last April. Wilson was cleared to return to the league in January. Tuesday, February 12
Skins targeting Johnson?
Chad Johnson | Bengals | Interested: Redskins?
Citing multiple league sources who claim that an elite wide receiver is owner Daniel Snyder's top offseason priority, the Washington Post is reporting that the Redskins are trying to work out a trade for Johnson.
The Bengals have said they have no plans to trade Johnson, but his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, is working to broker a deal, according to the sources.
Thursday, February 7
Ravens eyeing McNabb?
Donovan McNabb | Eagles | Interested: Ravens?
General manager Ozzie Newsome disputed an ESPN report that the Ravens are pursuing a trade for McNabb.
"We have not had one meeting to discuss any personnel on our team or anyone else's team," Newsome told the Baltimore Sun. "We've been very busy hiring assistant coaches."

It still isn't clear if the Eagles plan to trade their veteran quarterback, but several teams appear to have McNabb on their offseason radar. McNabb has been linked to the Ravens mainly because Baltimore hired longtime Eagles assistant John Harbaugh to replace head coach Brian Billick.

Ryan takes over top spot but linemen still dominate the top 10
By Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.
(Archive)
Updated: February 5, 2008
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With the Senior Bowl having come and gone and the NFL combine still more than two weeks away, the NFL draft process is in a quiet period right now. That doesn't mean things aren't changing, though.

The No. 1 spot in Scouts Inc.'s mock draft has changed hands, with Boston College QB Matt Ryan moving up from No. 3 and landing with the Miami Dolphins. The player Ryan replaces, LSU DT Glenn Dorsey, drops to the Oakland Raiders at No. 4. Arkansas RB Darren McFadden, who is rated as the best overall prospect in the 2008 class, moves up to Ryan's former spot. Kentucky QB Andre' Woodson takes the biggest fall after his struggles at the Senior Bowl, dropping from 14th all the way out of the first round.

However, linemen still occupy three of the top five spots and six of the top 10. There are 14 juniors in this first-round projection as well, including a run of seven straight underclassmen beginning at No. 15.

Much will change between now and the draft in April, but here is how I see things shaking out at this early juncture:

1. Miami Dolphins -- Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Record: 1-15 | Needs: OT, DL, ILB, CB, QB
Previous mock selection: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
Assuming for our purposes that the Dolphins are unable to trade down, they will have a difficult decision to make between Ryan, DE Chris Long, OT Jake Long and DT Glenn Dorsey. Either of the Longs makes sense, considering offensive tackle and defensive line are two of the team's biggest needs. Dorsey is considered by many to be the No. 2 player in this year's class, but he's not an ideal fit for a 3-4 defensive scheme and it doesn't make financial sense to spend No. 1-type money on a lineman who will be asked to take up space. That's why Ryan makes a lot of sense.

At the end of the day, it will come down to Bill Parcells' opinion of current Miami QB John Beck, whom the former Dolphins regime drafted in the second round last year. If Parcells thinks he can win with Beck, Jake Long would be the next best option, followed by Chris Long, then Dorsey. If not, Ryan should be the selection. He has all the physical tools of a franchise quarterback and, most importantly, he possesses rare intangibles.

2. St. Louis Rams -- Chris Long, DE, Virginia
Record: 3-13 | Needs: DE, G/OT, CB, OLB, WR
Previous mock selection: Same
The season-ending injury to perennial Pro Bowl tackle Orlando Pace and the Rams' overall poor play along the offensive line in 2007-08 make Jake Long a possibility with this pick. But assuming Pace returns to form, the Rams have a much bigger need along the interior of their offensive line, and tackle can be addressed in free agency or in later rounds of the draft.

Don't be surprised, then, if St. Louis goes with the other Long at No. 2. Chris is not a prototypical edge rusher, but he is a dominant playmaker with rare versatility and a motor that never quits. The Rams could solidify their defensive line for years to come by teaming him with last year's first-round selection, DT Adam Carriker.

3. Atlanta Falcons** -- Darren McFadden*, RB, Arkansas
Record: 4-12 | Needs: QB, OT, DT, RB, S
Previous mock selection: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
Ryan should be the Falcons' selection if he is available, but if he is not, Atlanta will have to make a difficult decision among McFadden, Dorsey and Jake Long. The team has needs at all three positions, so this would be tough choice. McFadden is the top prospect on most teams' draft boards, though, so it is easy to envision this scenario playing out. McFadden could provide the type of offensive boost for the Falcons that Adrian Peterson gave the Vikings last season. That type of potential is tough to pass up.

4. Oakland Raiders** -- Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
Record: 4-12 | Needs: OT, DT, WR, DE, RB
Previous mock selection: Darren McFadden*, RB, Arkansas
The Raiders are financially strapped and will not want to dish out top-five money one year after selecting QB JaMarcus Russell with the top overall pick. If McFadden still is on the board, don't count out a blockbuster trade by owner Al Davis, since Cowboys owner and Arkansas alum Jerry Jones already has made his interest known. If Oakland is stuck here with McFadden gone, it will need to choose between Dorsey and Jake Long. While Long is worth the pick, Dorsey is the higher-rated player. He could provide the type of interior disruption the Raiders' defense has been lacking and fill in nicely for Warren Sapp, who announced his retirement following the 2007 season